Residential
Residential SurveyORS.
We’ve reimagined what traditional residential building consultancy looks like.
If you’re looking for a residential surveyor that understands you, without the heavy jargon and unclear advice, choose Fourth Wall, RICS Young Building Surveyor of the Year 2022. We’re real people who work with you, with your best interests at the heart of everything we do.
Buyers & Homeowners.
From listed building surveys, to specific defect reports, party wall matters, and more, we offer everything you could need as a property owner or occupier. Take a look at our residential services below. Not sure what you need yet? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly team, who’ll be more than happy to help.
RICS Home Survey
Level 3.
Our RICS Level 3 Surveys are tailored to each unique property, providing you with clear and jargon free advice on a range of issues from the everyday to the complex. Each report is bespoke to your needs, offering you the vital information that you need to make informed decisions at a glance. We’d suggest this survey for properties that are older, larger, extensively altered or extended, worth more than £1,000,000, or in poor condition.
RICS Home Survey
Level 2.
Our team will provide you with a clear visual inspection of your property, identifying any issues that will need to be addressed. You’ll receive a bespoke report outlining our findings, and get access to our team of building surveyors for remediation advice and more. These aren’t as in-depth when compared to our Level 3 surveys, but they offer more than enough information for houses built after 1970 or flats built after 1950.
New Build
Snagging Survey.
When you choose our comprehensive snagging surveys, we’ll check every detail, from cosmetic issues, to large structural problems. Get peace of mind that your property is up to scratch before you move in, and rely on our professional team for advice regarding legal issues, remedial works, and anything else you may need. We’d suggest this service if you’re looking to purchase a new build home.
Specific
Defect Report.
If you have already identified an issue within your property, you should consider a specific defect report. This report will allow you to gain more insight into the issue at hand, and our team can offer remedial actions, estimated costs, and budget the cost of the repairs for you. You can rely on our expertise to ensure the issue is resolved accordingly, and lean on us for honest advice going forward.
Party Wall
Matters.
If you or your neighbour are undergoing construction that fall under the Party Wall Act, contact us about our Party Wall services. Rely on our team of building consultants to implement solutions that go beyond the latest regulations, without upsetting neighbours on adjoining properties. We work with you from the beginning to minimise risks and guide you through the process without any hassle.
Architectural
Services.
Utilise the skills and expertise of our property team to create a space that you’ll love. We’ll work in collaboration with you from start to finish, whilst protecting and respecting the history of your property. Every project and every client is different, so we’ll design a space to suit you and meet your needs, budgets and goals.
Portfolio
Reviews.
Are you a landlord purchasing a portfolio? Or perhaps you have a portfolio in need of attention? We’ll help you plan and prioritise tasks, costs and appraisals, to ensure you’re prepared at every stage. We offer an honest, open approach so that you have peace of mind that you’re making the right choices and investing your money where it matters the most.
Specialist Heritage
Listed Building Surveys.
We’re a team of award-winning surveyors specialising in listed buildings and heritage property sites. Whether you need a listed building survey, help with consent applications, planning restorations, or simply need reliable advice – we’re here to help you. We understand that every project is different, which is why our specialist heritage service is one to be tailored to your exact requirements.
Measured
Surveys.
Get detailed, accurate and to-scale drawings of your property with our measured building surveys. Our team of chartered surveyors can help you calculate the spaces on your property, create floor plans, cross-sessions, and more. Measured building surveys can be used for several purposes, including planning applications, future designs, to name a few!
The Fourth Wall Standard
Our Process.
First Steps.
Get a quote or speak to one of our team if you aren’t sure what’s best for you. Instruct a surveyor as early as possible in your purchase, we’ll take care of the rest.
A – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
B – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
C – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
D – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
The Survey.
We undertake our inspection and let you know when it’s taken place.
A – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
B – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
C – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
D – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
Post Survey.
We’ll issue your report electronically within 5 working days of the inspection.
A – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
B – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
C – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
D – We then undertake thorough pre-inspection research on the property covering things such as flood risk, soil types, planning history, noise levels and broadband speed.
Get in Touch With Our Residential Surveyors
Keen to learn more about our range of residential services? Get in touch with one of our professional and approachable residential surveyors. We can offer you a free consultation, followed up with a quote tailored to your specific requirements. Simply contact our team via phone or email to get started.
Residential Surveyor FAQs
Browse some of the common questions that our team are asked when it comes to choosing the survey that’s right for you.
Are Residential Surveyors Worth it?
Yes, 100%. By enlisting the help of our RICS residential surveyors, you’ll eliminate the risks of any unexpected costs and financial loss from issues that arise once you move into a property, which you could be liable for.
Why Do I Need a Survey?
You don’t have to have a survey as part of the legal process of buying a house, but it is highly recommended and very beneficial.
A survey can save you money: 20% of people who don’t get a building survey pay £6,000 in unexpected repairs and 17% pay £12,000. Having a survey will explain any issues with the property, and could help you negotiate the purchase price.
Receive impartial, expert advice: We’re independent professionals working for you and only you. We’ve spent years developing our knowledge and expertise, and we’re happy to share it with you to ensure you really understand the property you’re purchasing.
Get a full understanding of the property: We’re the only professionals visiting the property for you. We’ll inspect all external and internal areas of the property, and produce a thorough report with a clear rating system against all issues identified so you know what’s urgent, and photographs throughout the report so you can see what we’re talking about when we’re talking about it.
A valuation is not a building survey: The bank will do a valuation on the property for your mortgage, but this is for the bank’s purpose not for you, and they won’t be inspecting or advising on the majority of issues that may be present. A valuation focuses on issues which may affect the resale value in the event the bank take possession. The cost for issues outside this can still be significant and effect your day to day lifestyle in your new property.
Get peace of mind: Any house, old or new, can have issues. A Home Survey will give you that all important peace of mind to go forward with confidence when buying a property. We make the house purchase as stress free as possible, and save you headaches, time and money down the line.
Who Pays For a Survey On a House?
Usually, the buyer of the house is the one that arranges the Level 2 or Level 3 building survey, as they are the ones who generally benefit from it the most. This is most often done once an offer has been accepted on a property, but before the purchase process has been completed. Sellers can also pay for a survey to be completed, and this will give them a good idea of the property’s condition and any remedial works that need to take place.
What Does a Residential Surveyor Do?
A residential surveyor offers a number of services to do with properties that have been sold and bought for residential use. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Level 3 Building Surveys
- Level 2 Home Surveys (HomeBuyer reports)
- Architectural services
- Snagging surveys
- Portfolio reviews
- General property advice
How much Does a Residential Survey Cost?
A residential survey does not have a set price due to the fact that every property has its own individual uniqueness, so it would therefore be unfair to charge the same price for each one. Typically, prices for a quality survey begin at approximately £400 and are worth every penny, but this varies so get in touch with us for a quote, or complete our instant quote form.
What is the Architectural Design Process?
The architectural design process is comprised of seven phases: initial consultation & design brief, measured survey, drawings, planning submitted, technical drawings, party wall and construction. These all work together to help put realistic deliverables and deadlines in place when building, extending or altering a property. To find out more about the architectural design process why not check out our blog where our expert surveyors discussed all of it?
What Is the Difference Between Level 2 and Level 3 Home Surveys?
Although level 2 and 3 surveys look into the overall current condition of the property and any defects there are differences in their approach. Level 2 surveys are tailored to more typical houses, bungalows and flats which are in decent condition. A level 3 survey however is tailored to properties that are older and larger with more unique features that require a more intricate inspection.
Will My Survey Include a Valuation?
No, your Home Survey won’t automatically include a valuation so if you want or need one, make sure to ask. At Fourth Wall, we don’t value properties as our focus is on the building fabric and advising you on the condition of your property.
Local Knowledge
National Coverage.
We have surveyors based across England in our regional offices. With expert knowledge of their local areas, you know you’re in safe hands.
Fourth Wall // North West
Fourth Wall // Yorkshire
Sheffield
Cubo Work, 38 Carver Street
Sheffield
S1 4FS
Fourth Wall // Midlands & London
Birmingham
Cubo Work, 4th Floor,
2 Chamberlain Sq
Birmingham
B3 3AX
